People infected with COVID-19 can have very mild or no respiratory symptoms (asymptomatic) and can transmit the virus to others without being aware of it.
All visitors and outpatients need to wear a face covering in all areas of our hospitals.
What does this mean for me?
We can all play a role in reducing the spread of coronavirus and keeping our hospitals safe. If you are coming to hospital as a visitor or for planned outpatient care, it is important that you wear a face covering in all areas. This is for your safety and the safety of other patients and staff.
Face masks are available at the front entrances of East Surrey Hospital. Face coverings worn as part of religious beliefs or cultural practice are also acceptable, providing they are not loose and cover the mouth and nose.
For some people, wearing a face covering may be difficult due to physical or mental health conditions. In these instances, other measures will be considered on a case by case basis, for example timed appointments and being seen immediately on arrival.
If you are a deaf or hearing impaired, our staff have a range of communication options to ensure that they can communicate effectively with you. This might include the use of clear masks where possible, as well as visual aids such as writing things down, speech to text apps and sign language.
Everyone coming to hospital will be expected to comply with existing social distancing and hand hygiene measures in addition to the face coverings while in the hospital setting.
- Please only take one mask per person. They last for up to 6 hours and will only need changing if they are damp or soiled.
- Please avoid touching your mask or face covering once it is in position.
- If you have a hospital appointment and arrive early please wait in your car until 15 minutes before your appointment. This will avoid having too many people in corridors and waiting areas and help us maintain social distancing.
- During your visit you will be required to keep your mask or face covering on at all times in all areas of the building unless a clinician asks you to remove it.
- When leaving the hospital please place your mask in an orange clinical waste bin where it will be disposed of appropriately.